The wait is over. The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed EDGE rusher, T.J. Watt to a monumental 4-year extension worth approximately $112 million with $80 million in guaranteed money at signing according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This makes Watt the highest paid defensive player in NFL.

Sources: The #Steelers and star pass-rusher TJ Watt have a mega-deal. He’s going to sign a 4-year extension worth more than $112M — $28.003M average per year — with $80M fully guaranteed at signing. The highest paid defensive player in football. 💰 💰 💰

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 9, 2021

In his first four seasons, Watt has 214 total tackles, 49.5 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, four interceptions and been a staple of the Steelers defense. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl three times and finished in the top 3 in Defensive Player of the Year voting the last two seasons.

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Watt reported to training camp, but restricted himself to side work in order to ensure that he would stay healthy and receive a deal of this magnitude.

The deal is done and the Steelers will retain their leader on defense for the foreseeable future. Expect Watt to come out well rested and hungry to prove himself worthy of this deal throughout this season and beyond.

Are you happy with the longterm deal? Let us know in the comments below!

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